Y-STR (Y-Short Tandem Repeat)

Y-STR (Y-Short Tandem Repeat) refers to specific regions on the Y chromosome where short sequences of DNA are repeated multiple times. These regions are inherited strictly from father to son, making them useful for tracing paternal lineage and identifying male-related genetic relationships. Since the number of repeats can vary among individuals, analyzing Y-STRs helps in forensic investigations, genealogy, and population studies by providing a genetic “barcode” unique to the male lineage. They are part of the broader field of STR analysis used to differentiate individuals based on their DNA profiles.